Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Far be it from me to divert from my friend and colleague from County Leitrim. He might be sincere in his comments, but my colleagues and I were excoriated while on that side of the House by the then Opposition because Ministers were travelling abroad during St. Patrick's week. The criticism was not exclusive to the Opposition, in that it came from the media as well, which branded every ministerial trip abroad, specifically during that week, a junket. It was as if Ministers were flying around the world having a great time. I have consistently supported ministerial trips abroad, particularly during St. Patrick's week.